The blossoms of April

Ann Mah's newsletter / April 2022

Brooklyn blossoms

Hello

Last weekend I made a crazy mad dash to Brooklyn to celebrate a friend’s big birthday. I spent more hours driving in the car than actually there, but it was wonderful to celebrate my friend, eat delicious brown butter cavatelli with hot sausage, and chat with old pals from my days working in book publishing.

Brooklyn was subdued, the streets emptier than usual. Walking to dinner in the early evening, I was surprised to find most boutiques already closed for the day. Restaurants were busy around 6:30pm but empty (or shut) by 10pm. Bars were quiet. Honestly, the city that never sleeps seemed drowsy. But the cherry trees were breaking into blossom, there were neighbors grilling at community barbecues, and I still felt the pulse of ideas – that engine of creativity and imagination that brought me to the city as a twenty-something who dreamed of writing fiction. In my heart, New York will always be the place of infinite possibilities.

Here’s what else I’ve been up to!

Half dozen oysters from the poissonerie on the rue Cler

What I’ve been eating

–When I bought oysters in Paris, the guy at the fish shop taught me how to open them, which I managed to do with the knife blade of my corkscrew (it’s a miracle I didn’t maim myself). But next time I’ll use this article from Saveur, which has helpful photos and instructions: How to shuck oysters

–On a chilly and windy spring night a few weeks ago, fish pie was the perfect Sunday dinner. I combined these recipes from Gordon Ramsay and Nigella Lawson (New York Times) to make my own version.

–Dorie Greenspan’s newsletter is a ray of sunshine in my in-box – twice a week she’s there with a story and sweet recipe. I can’t wait to try her almond cake – perfect for Easter or Passover!

–Speaking of Easter, I’m thinking of making ham, mustard sauce, scalloped potatoes, asparagus, and something lemony for dessert. If I have time (I won’t) I’ll make matzo ball soup to start. What’s on your spring holiday table? Leave a comment and let me know!

Sea anemones in the tide pools at Laguna Beach, Calif.

What I’ve been reading

–Over the winter holidays I visited the Laguna Beach tide pools and showed my daughter the sea anemones that used to fascinate me when I was her age. I thought of this the other day when I read an article about a gene that’s linked to the development of hearing in humans and also sensory development in sea anemones. It’s called pou-iv and you can read more in Science Daily.

–If you’re traveling to France soon and are confused by Covid regulations, David Lebovitz has written an excellent Covid update for visiting France.

–How many of these books about Paris have you read? Check out the Modern Mrs. Darcy’s list: 15 recommended reads for those who dream of traveling to Paris

–Kitchen Chinese, my first novel about a young American woman living in Beijing, China, is on sale now for only $1.99. “It’s a great start for a writer with much promise,” said Publishers Weekly. Find the e-book here and if you’ve already read it, tell a friend!

A bientôt!

Tomorrow is… my birthday! After a few years of dry store-bought cake, I’m making my own this year – thinking of baking this small one from Smitten Kitchen. The weather has finally warmed (for now…) and I’m hoping to plant geraniums in my window box. This month I’ll also be making a trip to California to visit family and hike along the central coast under the redwoods. It’s my favorite part of my home state and I can’t wait to see it again after so many years. (Look for my photos on Instagram!)

May your spring celebrations be warm and sunny and free of allergies!

Amitiés,

Ann